Canada to Capital District drug pipeline broken up with final two arrests

Saratoga Springs Police and the Capital District Drug Enforcement Task Force have concluded a several months long marijuana trafficking investigation with the final two arrests on Thursday, July 28, when two individuals turned themselves in, according to information from the police department.

Danielle Bevins, 32, of Plattsburgh was charged with criminal sale of marijuana in the first degree, criminal possession of marijuana in the first degree and conspiracy in the fourth degree, according to police reports.

Danny Kelley, 57, of Massena was charged with criminal sale of marijuana in the first degree, criminal possession of marijuana in the first degree and conspiracy in the fourth degree, according to police reports.

A routine traffic stop in November 2010 led to the discovery of several pounds of marijuana in a vehicle driven by Christopher Redding, 28, of Massena, and the same evening, Saratoga Springs police executed a search warrant at a residence on Lincoln Avenue and discovered information indicating a large-scale marijuana distribution ring was operating in Saratoga Springs and throughout the Capital District, according to information from police.

City Police contacted the DEA Task Force and the investigation was continued with the identification of several individuals involved in trafficking marijuana from Canada to the Capital Region. Police said they estimated that 50 to 75 pounds of marijuana was distributed from Saratoga Springs per week, with similar amounts being distributed through other Capital District locations including, Albany, Troy and Clifton Park.

During the investigation police were able to intercept more than 50 pounds of marijuana destined for Saratoga Springs and the greater Capital District, seize tens of thousands of dollars in proceeds from drug trafficking and arrested nine individuals as part of the conspiracy.

Aaron Vice, 32, of Massena and Matthew Dillon, 29, of Fort Covington were identified as the top level of the organization and both charged in federal court in Albany with one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 50 kilograms of marijuana and conspiracy to distribute more than 50 kilograms of marijuana, according to police reports.